Category : Dixie State University

Into Darkness – Night Photography / Star Trails

4. Into Darkness Due Thursday by 3:15 pm Points 100 Submitting a file upload File Types jpg New moon is Oct. 1st. That means you have a unique opportunity for a few days on either side of that date to photograph dark skies and stars. In the spirit of pre-visualizing, planning, and executing your photographs, your assignment is: 1. Find a landmark you’d like to photograph with stars and/or star trails behind it. 2. Download Stellarium from www.stellarium.org and use […]

The Epic of the Individual – Stranger Portrait

1. The Epic of the Individual This is a warm-up. I believe that every human life is extraordinary if we have the patience to look. Further, among the key skills that a commercial photographer must have, is the ability to communicate and work with people. Your assignment is to take a portrait of a stranger. The final product is to include a caption with a quote from the subject that gives insight into their life and personality. The photo should […]

Thesis Portfolio · Smartphones are evil

This assignment is for Digital Photography course (ART 2060) at Dixie State University in St. George, Utah taught by Alex Chamberlain. Smartphones and tablets were designed to help people communicate but often interfere. These personal devices often hinder personal communication. Photo 1 Smartphone and tablet users rarely notice what is going on around them. Photo 2 Work. Play. Learn. Communicate. Research. Consume. Sleep? Photo 3 Smartphones have consumed conversation at the dinner table. Photo 4 Minor distractions while driving can cause […]

The world in motion – Dream Bowl / Breakfast Blitz

8. The world in motion “Dream Bowl” Breakfast is an everyday struggle. After waking up, these two brothers battle it out for their first meal of the day. Who will be victorious? Starring Hudson and Hayden. A short film by Joseph Cowdell for a photography class at Dixie State University. This movie was made using a Canon 60D. It was edited with Adobe Premiere. No sweet potatoes were harmed during the making of this film. Requirements Your Assignment, should you […]

Land Ho! Landscape Challenge

7. Land Ho! Landscape Requirements It’s time to focus on what our area offers in abundance: Landscape! Your final product for this assignment will be four images shot to include the following compositional techniques: One image with Steelyard composition https://500px.com/photo/48576006/the-matron-by-alex-chamberlain?from=user One image with ⅓ horizon composition One image with radiating lines (This CANNOT include bicycle spokes) One image with a compound curve (This CANNOT be a road) All of these images should be shot in early morning, or sunset light. […]

Introspection – Self Portraits

6. Introspection Now it’s time to make your first self-portraits. In some ways, this will be easier than your previous portraiture assignment, and in some, it will be harder. Part of the challenge will come into play as you attempt to assess what will express your own personality to others. It’s time to think outside of your own perceptions and be candid with yourself about what makes you tick and how you come across to others – especially how to […]

The Long Way Home – Intro to Night Photography

I took a photography course from Alex Chamberlain at Dixie State University in the Fall of 2015. This was my first “real” experience with night photography. Luckily, the city of Pine Valley, Utah has some of the darkest skies near my hometown of St. George, Utah. It is the perfect spot for me to practice my night photography. Night photography gives me an excuse to get away from it all and just listen to nature. Sometimes being alone with just […]

Pets and Portraits

The young woman in this set is my cousin, Melanie House, and she recently found out she has breast cancer. She just had chemotherapy and got herself a new wig. My wife helped her with makeup for this photo shoot. Update 2017: Melanie is in remission, cancer free, and happy to be alive! 4. Pets and Portraits Requirements 1. You are to shoot a portrait of a friend or family member that explains and/or highlights an aspect of their personality that […]

Composition – The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

3. The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly Requirements After our composition discussion, you should be able to filter the content of your images more effectively and arrange things to be more pleasing and emphasize your choices. Further, our exposure discussion should give you the tools you’ll need to grade your images effectively to emphasize the subjects of your choosing. For this assignment, you’ll need to choose an interesting or unusual outdoor subject such as an old car, a barn, […]